Contraception, remember what that was?

"A quick word about oral contraception. I asked a girl to go to bed with me, she said 'no.' " Woody Allen: American wit, actor and film director. Don't rely on wit when what you need is a condom!

The health risks of feeling frisky The thought of sex after divorce with someone new can be pretty scary. Before getting swept away with the idea of a new lover, there are some down-to-earth issues to grapple with.

Contraception Forty five per cent of unplanned pregnancies are attributable to the lack of any contraception being used. Effective and well-planned birth control is essential to preventing an unwanted pregnancy and is vital in protecting yourself from exposure to sexually transmitted diseases - STDs also known as STIs – sexually transmitted infections.

There are a variety of contraception methods available. One may suit you better than another, or you may choose a combination. Discussing it with your doctor and your partner will help you choose what will be best for you. Beware, many menopausal women fall pregnant because they think their periods have stopped!

Dress to impress, wear a condom The best dressed penis is definitely the one wearing a condom. While you were married, wearing a condom during intercourse may not have been an issue, but the newly divorced need to understand the dangers of unprotected sex.

Condoms can protect against infection and also act as a contraceptive, but because condoms can break or come off during sex, it is wise to use an additional method of contraception.

Most condoms are ready lubricated, but if you require extra lubrication, use KY Jelly to make sexual intercourse easier. Do not use oil based lubricants such as Vaseline as they can cause condoms to disintegrate!

The morning after pill after the night before The morning after pill is, generally speaking, effective for up to three days after sex has taken place. Even so, the sooner you take it after unprotected sex, the better and the failure rate is pretty low.

Apart from possibly a little nausea the morning after pill has few side effects, and in the unlikely event that you vomit after taking it, you should consult your doctor immediately about prescribing another pill. Nowadays, the majority of pharmacists will supply over the counter without a prescription and although it is quite expensive it is a lot cheaper than a bringing up a child.

Accidents will happen – the unwelcome pregnancy After coming to terms with being single again after a divorce, the last thing anyone is prepared for is having a baby. If you do get pregnant you have three options; keeping the baby; giving it up for adoption; or opting for a termination.

You need to make a decision as quickly as you can, because both prenatal care and terminations should be dealt with as quickly as possible. If you opt for a termination, be aware that guilt, grief and possibly anger - on the part of both partners - are natural feelings that need to be acknowledged and dealt with.

Ninety per cent of abortions are performed before the twelfth week of pregnancy and are quick, safe and simple with a low rate of complications.